180FW safety superintendent receives top award

Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Carter, occupational health and safety superintendent at the 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton, Ohio, inspects an eye wash station July 15, 2018. Carter received the 2017 Air National Guard Outstanding Individual Occupational Safety Award for superior performance and contributions to the Air Force.

Published Aug. 5, 2018
By Staff Sgt. John Wilkes
180th Fighter Wing

Swanton, Ohio -- The National Guard Bureau selected Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Carter, occupational health and safety superintendent with the 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton, Ohio, for the 2017 Air National Guard Outstanding Individual Occupational Safety Award for exceptional performance in his career field.

Of the 105,000 Airmen in the Air National Guard, the award is given to a select few Airmen each year who make unparalleled contributions to their unit and the Air Force as a whole.

“It is a true honor to receive this award,” said Carter. “This is the top award in our career field and it is reassuring to know that the work we put in does not go unnoticed.”

Carter genuinely cares about the safety of all personnel on the base and across the Air Force. He is regularly engaged in training programs and actively seeks out courses to further his knowledge.

“We work very hard in the safety office to prevent mishaps before they occur,” said Carter. “We train personnel across the base on safety to prevent incidents from occurring and to keep people safe.”

In 2017, Carter served as the single investigative officer for an incident resulting in more than $800,000 in damages. Due to his hard work and dedication, he was able to identify an Air Force-wide hazard and submit a corrective action plan, preventing countless potential mishaps across the nation.

Carter also worked with Air Education Training Command to develop a new online safety training course required for all safety professionals across the Air Force prior to attending the in-residence journeyman safety training course.

Carter sets the example for junior airmen both on and off duty. He is an Authorized Occupational Safety and Health Administration Instructor, an Air Force Mishap Investigator and is working on earning the Certified Safety Professional designation.

“Senior Master Sgt. Carter demonstrates what it is to be a true safety professional,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Bartman, Adjutant General of the Ohio National Guard.

Airmen are the 180FW’s number one resource and asset and their safety is a top priority. In 2017, there were zero major mishaps for 180FW members. Both at home and while deployed, the 180FW remains mission-focused to provide for America while developing Airmen, supporting their families and serving in our community.

DD 214 Info:
Current Air Force military members can log into Personnel Records Display Application through AF Portal.

Other Branches and Retired/Separated members need to contact National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800 or visit: https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/military-personnel